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Look—who you know is undeniably important in the professional world. Sure. But when it comes to the literary world in particular, I cannot stress this enough: WHAT you do, and how you participate in community, is even more important.
2/ I am all for helping others where and when I can—sharing knowledge, sharing connection. But don’t approach a writer you don’t know—or that you know only tangentially—and ask them to introduce you to their agent, or their editor, or their connection X. Just do not.
3/ I understand—BELIEVE ME—that this is a long slow slog and hard on the soul. But pressing for connections without doing any of the organic work to make them happen isn’t going to do you any favours.
4/ I will *never forget* signing with @s_haywood in 2010 and celebrating the news at a friend’s house only to have her boyfriend, who I didn’t know, ask me to give his manuscript to my newly-signed agent. “She’ll likely enjoy my work as well,” he said.
5/ I was so uncomfortable! I managed to evade the request, but all I could think was, excuse me—I put the work in here. You can put the work in too. I don’t think that’s a bad thing!
6/ Community is important. Participating is important. Finding your OWN way to shine in said community is also important. People will be able to tell if you are faking, or only doing something because you think it will get you ahead. Don’t be that person!
7/ Here’s the secret: if you participate & make connections & friends w community as your utmost motive, pretty soon that community will do magical things for you in some way. Maybe professionally. Maybe just as a salve/boon for your soul. Both of these options are worth it.
8/ There are so many ways to make a rich, satisfying writing life. Work toward that richness (of the soul, not literal). That’s what makes it all worthwhile, in the end.
